Research

Students majoring in chemistry and related sciences are invited to participate in
research with chemistry faculty. Under the direction of one or two faculty members,
participants gain practical experience with chemistry by working on a project focused
on a current topic in research. There are a variety of different projects going on
in the department, some of which are briefly described below.

You can enroll in our research course (CHEM 4160/4260), participate in the Welch summer
research program, or volunteer research time with chemistry faculty. Projects started
by one of these modes can be continued through others; you could, for example, start
a project one summer in the Welch program and enroll in CHEM 4260 in the Fall to continue
your work.

Chemistry Research Course - CHEM 4160/4260

Students who want to enroll in the research course should talk to different faculty
members to find a project they are interested in with a professor who can supervise
them. Students taking the course generally coordinate the times they will work each
week with their supervising faculty members. When and how much you work will be up
to your research professor, though an average of 5-6 hours per week is typical for
CHEM 4260. Either of these courses can be taken by students who have completed CHEM
1302 and 1102 (Chemical Principles II and Lab). CHEM 4260 is generally offered every
Fall and Spring.